Volkswagen Recalls 420,000 Cars for Potentially Faulty Airbags

Volkswagen is recalling 420,000 cars for driver’s-side front airbags that may not deploy in a crash, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Affected models include the 2010–2014 Volkswagen CC, Passat, and Tiguan; 2010–2013 Eos and Jetta; 2011-2014 Golf and GTI; and 2011–2013 Jetta SportWagen. The airbag clock spring, which consists of a spiraled cable that allows electrical components within the steering wheel to maintain function while the wheel is turned, can tear due to collected debris and disable the airbag’s power. This recall is not related to the widespread Takata airbag-inflator issue.

NHTSA opened an investigation in March after receiving nine reports of cable failure, which also disables the radio controls and other steering-wheel-located functions. No injuries or crashes have been reported. Dealers will repair the cars at a later date, but Volkswagen has not specified the exact remedy or a timeline.